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July 25, 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). A recent article for Enable America (EA) praised the great work by the ADA in furthering the rights of people with disabilities—while simultaneously calling for new actions that will be necessary to advance those rights in the years ahead.

The ADA represents the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. On July 26, 1990, President George W. Bush noted, “With today’s signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom.”

Established in 2002, EA is a non-profit organization devoted to empowering people with disabilities to achieve independence through employment. The organization’s Community Connections, Business Connections, and VetConnect programs unite members of the disability community and business community to raise awareness and increase employment opportunities for the 54 million Americans with disabilities—including our nation’s wounded soldiers.

Through its research and outreach across the country, EA discovered millions of Americans with disabilities with employable skills, who want to work, but often face additional barriers to finding jobs. EA’s founder and CEO, Richard Salem, explained, “People with disabilities want what all of us want, an opportunity to pursue the American Dream.” Through employment advocacy, EA believes it is also strengthening the economy by adding to the diversity of skills and talents that people with disabilities bring to the workforce.

Salem personally understands that challenge because he lost his sight when he was a teenager. “The ADA represents an historic civil rights achievement, and we have much to be proud of as we look back at what we have accomplished over the past two decades.” He concludes, “At the same time, we must not rest on the past, when so much work remains. This anniversary is a time for celebration, as well as an inspiration for all of us to recommit our efforts to the work at hand.”

Advocacy groups like Enable America, groundbreaking legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and CAPS designated remodeling companies like Home Evolutions are all working diligently to provide people with disabilities more productive, safer, and independent lives.

Read more about this story in the next and upcoming issue of The Forever Home!

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The Aging-in-Place market for technology to assist seniors, families and professional caregivers for aging adults is attracting a steady stream of new vendors to a market that will exceed $20 billion by 2020, according to the newly updated 2010 report by Aging in Place Technology Watch. The emergence of caregiving as a concern to baby boomers invites new entrants into the market, according to Laurie M. Orlov, founder of the market research firm.

“With an aging demographic, growing elder caregiving responsibilities and emerging technology awareness of service providers means that more people seek and find solutions that help older family members,” said Orlov. “This is a catalyst for both new entrepreneurs like AFrameDigital and BeClose as well as new business opportunities for existing companies like Philips.”

The industry projections are part of the updated market overview report, 2010 Technology Market Overview from Aging in Place Technology Watch. The document updates about technologies to enable aging in place, including categories for communication and engagement, safety and security, health and wellness, and learning and contribution. The report explains how these tighten the connections between families, caregivers, service providers such as home care agencies and care recipients.

“Mary Furlong, founder of SeniorNet and author of “Turning Silver into Gold” commented: “A research veteran like Laurie choosing this space is an indication of the talent being brought to bear in this industry - analysts size the market, showcase the business opportunities, and shape the market space. The venture and business community are catching up with the need.”

Added Ken Dychtwald, Founder of AgeWave and author of “The Power Years,”: “Long-time Forrester and tech industry veteran Laurie M. Orlov is one of the most formidable - and knowledgeable - industry analysts describing the technology trends in the aging in place market. Her well-informed insights and innovative ideas are consistently spot-on.”

Headquartered in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Aging in Place Technology Watch provides thought leadership, analysis and guidance about technologies and related services that enable boomers and seniors to remain longer in their home of choice. In addition to her technology background and years as a technology industry analyst, founder Laurie M. Orlov is a certified geriatric care manager is a member of the Philips Think Tank on Health & Well-Being.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

Recent data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) continues to show that the trend of home remodeling to age in place is increasing as baby boomers get older. Statistics also show that non-seniors are also planning ahead or wishing to make their home more comfortable for their older relatives.

According to their most recent survey, 74 percent of the remodelers surveyed reported higher numbers of universal design home modifications, a significant increase from the 60 percent reported just over three years ago.

In this article, NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema said in that “Homeowners are asking for remodeling improvements to make their homes more comfortable as they age because they don’t want to move or lose their independence. These modifications can make a home more stylish and convenient for the aging population.”

What’s at the top of the list for most requested home modification? Not surprisingly, bathroom upgrades are number one.

78% of homeowners want grab bars added to their showers as part of an upgrade to an existing home. 71% want to have higher toilets installed. While 60% desire an upgrade to curbless showers.

Other requested changes include:

• Widening doorways (57 percent)
• Constructing ramps or lowering thresholds (45 percent)
• Enhanced lighting (45 percent)

The NAHB survey also found an increase in aging-in place options among the surveyed consumers, with remodelers saying that 84 percent of homeowners have at least some knowledge of universal design solutions.

74% percent of remodelers also noted an increase in requests for these types of features.

According to the article, “most remodelers stated that the bulk of requests for aging-in-place modifications come from clients above age-55, but a growing number of younger consumers are requesting changes for other family members.”

Usually the improvements address the age-related disabilities of visiting older relatives or modifications to make it easier for parents to share living space with their grown children.

70% of homeowners started remodeling projects for aging-in-place criteria because they were planning ahead for future needs.

To learn more, visit www.nahb.org.

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With the current heat wave hitting our region and much of the northeast with record-breaking high temperatures—first and foremost, everyone (especially seniors and people with disabilities) should be cautious and vigilant to not become over heated. Stay cool by remaining indoors with air conditioning and fans during the hottest times of the day, and remember to not do strenuous activities in excessive heat.

Since most people are running their fans more and their air conditioning lower and longer (especially perhaps seniors who are aging-in-place in their own homes), it is also wisely frugal and economically important to keep an eye on how much you are spending on energy through these hot days.

A recent article offers some tips on how seniors can lower their energy costs and save money during the summer. One way to do this is to reduce the amount of energy used every month. Here are a few ideas for ways that seniors can cut back and things they can change to help reduce monthly energy expenses.

In General

• Turn it off if you’re not using it! You could save 2% on your electric bill.
• Unplug appliances that aren’t in use—they still draw electricity.
• Replace air conditioning filters once a month.
• When re-charging cell phones (or other re-chargeable devices), only leave them plugged in as long as it takes to charge them.
• Install a whole house fan and save up to 5% on electricity.
• Install window shades or film to keep the house cooler. Shade trees also can help.
• Have your cooling ducts checked for leaks and sealed—this could save up to 20%!
• Make sure to adjust outdoor lighting timers to save money since it is daylight longer.
• Check and re-install weather stripping, seals, and caulk.
• Set your thermostat to 78 when you’re home and 85 when you’re away.
• Use ceiling fans to keep rooms cooler.
• Keep the blinds drawn to cool down your house.

In the Kitchen

• Cooking with your microwave uses 1/3 less energy than your stove.
• Use the dishwasher instead of washing by hand—it uses less water.
• Save 1% of your electric bill by air drying your dishes if you use a dishwasher.
• If you have a range hood, use it frequently to vent heat from cooking.
• Grill out to keep cooking costs down.

When Doing Laundry

• Do as much of your laundry in cold (or warm if need be) water. Always rinse in cold water.
• Dry your clothes on the line and save money on your energy bill (up to 5%).
• Always run full loads in the dryer when you use it.
• Clean your dryer filters for efficiency.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

There are always new and improved technological products coming out that can greatly help seniors and people with disabilities age-in-place comfortably and safely while maintaining their independence. Perhaps the most common device widely and cheaply available for seniors that can be used toward this end is of course the cell phone.

According to a recent review, the Snapfōn ez ONE is a new contender in the senior cell phone market and was specifically designed for elderly people who need an easy-to-read (and use) cell phone. It is simple to operate and has a large text display (equivalent to 28 point font) for easy reading. The Snapfōn ez ONE also has extra large keys, an emergency S.O.S. button, back-lit keypad, and it fits in one’s hand very nicely.
In addition, this phone has one feature that makes it particularly interesting—it will ‘say’ the numbers as they are dialed (called the “speaking keypad”). This would be particularly helpful to those with diminished sight. The review notes that it has not come across another senior cell phone in the market that has this feature.

Another attractive aspect of the Snapfōn ez ONE is its relatively low price. At $99.99, it is much more affordable than many other senior-friendly cell phones. Currently, these phones are being sold “unlocked” and without phone service. This means you can buy the Snapfōn ez ONE and take it to a GSM provider network, such as AT&T or T-Mobile (to name a few) and use it with one of their cell phone plans.

The Snapfōn ez ONE was created to fill a growing niche of users that want a phone just to make calls. This group includes many seniors who are aging-in-place. Plus, the Snapfōn ez ONE is far from lacking features. Snapfōn president, Phil Sieg, explained,

“We have incorporated a few unique features into our Snapfōn ez ONE product such as an S.O.S. button that calls up to four (4) emergency contacts and keeps calling in rotation until you get an answer, a high intensity LED flashlight, and even an FM radio—all of which are present for safety and convenience reasons.” He added that the company is seeing a greater focus on safety as our population ages, and a growing desire for emergency response devices.

Snapfōn ez ONE Features
•    Speaking keypad
•    Easy to see and dial buttons
•    Large and bright display
•    FM Radio
•    Vibrating ringer
•    Flashlight
•    Emergency S.O.S. button
•    Speakerphone with good volume
•    Light and easy to hold
•    Phonebook memory—200 records
•    Call record—last 10
•    6 ringtones
•    6 alarm tones
•    5 SMS tones
•    High intensity LED flashlight
•    Built-in FM radio with headset

Snapfōn ez ONE Dimensions and Details
•    Dimensions: 2″ x 4″ x 0.5″ (10.4 cm x 4.9 cm x 1.5 cm)
•    Screen: 1.6 inch amber LCD 128×48
•    Battery: 3-5 hours of talk time and up to 120 hours of standby time

Remember, technology can greatly help to complement your aging-in-place goals. Be sure to do your research and find the best technological products that can enhance your independence and also fit your individual needs and economic circumstances.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

As a service to local charities, we like to give our readers a heads-up on any special event that may be coming up that would be of interest. The “Tickets Fore Charity!” is one of those events. A worthy organization, Airlift Research Foundation, will be participating.

Would you like to see some of the PGA’s upcoming stars compete for their spot on the PGA tour? Are you looking for an opportunity to entertain friends or clients and would like to help a good cause at the same time?

From August 30 -September 5, 2010, the Mylan Classic presented by CONSOL Energy will partner with the PGA Tour to bring the Nationwide Tour to Washington County, a neighbor to Pittsburgh. The Mylan Classic is providing non-profit organizations with the opportunity to sell tournament tickets and receive 100% of the proceeds through their “Tickets Fore Charity” program, and the Airlift Research Foundation will be participating.

Additionally, funds from a $25,000 bonus pool provided by ANSYS, Inc. will be distributed based on each charity’s percentage of total ticket revenue. Tickets range from $25-$50 and may be purchased in packs of ten ($200-$400) as well. To participate in this great event and support the Airlift Research Foundation by purchasing tickets, please visit www.airliftrf.org. The Mylan Classic will be played at Southpointe Golf Club in Canonsburg, PA. For more information on the Classic, please visit www.MylanClassic.com.

About the Airlift Research Foundation: The Airlift Research Foundation exists to breathe hope into the lives of those who have suffered life changing orthopaedic trauma, on the battlefield and at home. We rarely think of trauma as a growing epidemic. Yet the fact is that trauma is —by far— the most common cause of impairment and death in young people all over the world. And the greatest targets of trauma are the legs we stand on and the arms with which we embrace. Partnering with The Aircast Foundation, an internationally recognized leader in translating donor dollars to real scientific progress, the Airlift Research Foundation is looking for members of the public to support critically-needed innovative research that returns injured troops and civilians to maximal function — empowering those who have lost limbs or limb function, so we can say “yes” you can be all you once were, and more. By investing public funds into the careers of the world’s best and brightest clinician scientists, the Airlift Research Foundation sets a course for the future. Just as the history-making invention of sterile surgical technique came out of the Civil War, our current military conflicts will drive quantum advances in orthopaedic trauma medicine, benefiting countless people in war and peacetime alike.

Please keep us posted on any other worthwhile events and fundraisers!

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

The National Aging In Place Council (NAIPC), a national senior support network, recently identified the Safeway Step as one of its Top Ten Product Ideas for Practical Advice when aging in place. The NAIPC lists products that can make a person’s home more comfortable and their life simpler and safer. Safety Step has also been recognized by Today’s Caregiver magazine with the 2010 Caregiver Friendly Award.

The Safeway Step is a product and installation method designed to provide an economical renovation option for individuals and facilities interested in easier access into the bathtub area. It can be used to retrofit an existing bathtub into a walk in shower.

The Caregiver Friendly Awards are designed to celebrate products, services, books and media created with the needs of caregivers in mind.  According to Gary Barg, Today’s Caregiver magazine’s Editor-In-Chief, “This award is designed to help family caregivers recognize and reward those organizations who will care for them in as committed a manner as they care for their own loved ones.”

Through a press release statement, Chris Stafford, President of Safeway Safety Step, said, “We are very excited to have our product recognized with two such prestigious honors. We strive to provide products that aid seniors aiming to age in place.  Our walk in shower and walk in bath modifications are great alternatives to complete tear outs and other costly renovations.”

Safeway offers multiple bath accessibility products to provide easier accessibility to existing bathtub for a fraction of the cost compared to tearing-out the existing bathtub, including the Safeway Tub Door and the Safeway Step.

The Safeway Tub Door is a product and installation method designed to add a water-tight sealable door to an existing bathtub. Installation of the Safeway Tub Door includes cutting and removing a section of the existing tub and custom fitting the resulting opening with the Safeway Tub Door. The Safeway Tub Door is an important addition to Safeway’s industry leading line of bath accessibility products and builds upon the versatility provided by the Company’s initial core product, the Safeway Step.  The Safeway Step retrofits the existing bathtub into a permanent walk-in shower and has been installed in thousands of units.

Benefits of Safeway’s bathtub modifications include:

•      Makes existing bathtub more accessible;
•      Provides bathtub retrofit options with or without a door;
•      Installed in just two to three hours;
•      Reduces the possibility of falls;
•      Assists with rehabilitation and ability to stay at home longer; and,
•      Saves thousands compared to tearing out and removing the existing bathtub to install more costly renovation options, such as a walk-in shower or bath.

Have you used the Safeway Step? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

A recent article by Paula Span for The New York Times discusses the many benefits of minimal physical activity for seniors and gives them another reason to keep moving.

Span focuses on a new Journal of Gerontology study that proclaims more good news about the role of exercise in preserving cognitive skills. “It made me so happy that I decided to call the lead researcher, epidemiologist, Dr. Catarina Rosano of the University of Pittsburgh, to learn more.”

“We already knew that exercise makes you sharper and makes your mood better,” Rosano explained. “But it wasn’t clear how much or how often you have to exercise, or how soon in life. Do you have to begin by 60? Can you wait until you’re 70? Do you have to exercise every day, or every other day, until you die?”

Rosano’s subjects were all over 70 and had led sedentary lives until they were recruited for the study. One group became more physically active, with a goal of walking 150 minutes each week, and a comparison group met for health discussions, but didn’t do the walking. According to Span, the programs continued for a year, and Rosano’s team followed up nearly two years later with 20 seniors who continued walking at least one to three times a week.

But we are not talking about sprints and extreme calisthenics here. Rosano emphasized, “They didn’t hit the gym like crazy—they were walking.”

The participants then took a test that involved remembering numbers and symbols on a computer screen. “This is similar to functions of the brain we use every single day,” noted Rosano. The exercisers continued to do significantly better on the test—with greater speed and fewer errors than the control group. In addition, the imaging scans demonstrated that more parts of the brain were activated, and to a greater extent, in the group that had kept walking.

Span explained that even though this is a pilot study (which the researchers plan to replicate with a much larger sample—perhaps then answering more of those questions about how often and how much), this report adds to evidence that a low-cost, moderate approach to exercise yields cognitive dividends. Rosano concludes, “Some level of physical activity, even started later in life, can really impact the brain. Taking a walk with someone you like and having a chat—that’s always great.”

Exercise and activity are important aspects to aging-in-place—and they can help you to remain living healthy, safely, and independently at home.

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As a company dedicated to providing remodeling options for seniors and people with disabilities that allow them to remain living independently, Home Evolutions is happy to share stories in this blog that also highlight these groups’ independence.

A recent article by Sonya Chun, for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, discusses the production of a new movie entitled, “Pie Head: A Kinda’ True Story,” that is currently being shot in Pittsburgh, Pa. The movie will feature actors with disabilities.

According to Chun, the movie is being made by Pie Head Productions and stars Hollis McLachlan, who also wrote, produced, and directed it. “McLachlan hopes to pave the way for disabled actors in her film. Through the family comedy, she wanted to offer opportunities in the film industry for people with disabilities and special needs.”

McLachlan believes that “Disabled actors are not encouraged to look outside of the box or audition as, let’s say, a secretary.” The director wants to show that people with disabilities can and do work in many different, regular roles. She continues, “In real life, disabled people have those jobs so why can’t a secretary be in a wheel chair for a movie?”

The diverse cast will also include actors without disabilities as well as actors of various ethnicities. McLachlan explains, “We have a great group of people—we should appreciate our differences because that’s what makes life interesting.”

Chun notes that the film is based on McLachlan’s personal experiences about moving to Los Angeles in pursuit of an acting career and working as a special education teacher in an inner-city public school after graduating from Washington and Jefferson College.

McLachlan and her mother, Louann Petrucci, came up with the idea while taking a walk two years ago while she was recounting her traumatic experiences as a teacher to her mom. “It was a heavy subject matter, but to lighten the mood, I told the stories in a comedic way so I could laugh instead of cry,” McLachlan said. “The next day, we both called each other and thought that it would make a great movie.” She and her mother wrote the script together and are working as producers on the film.

McLachlan originally intended the film to have one disabled actor play her autistic brother, Gregory Louis, but after meeting several actors with disabilities during the auditions, she decided to rewrite the script to include them, too. “Acting isn’t about having the physical requirements or a pretty face, but who can deliver the best performance. I’m not favoring disabled people—I’m trying to be a true, equal opportunity employer.”

Although the story centers on McLachlan’s experience as a teacher, she hopes many can relate to the film’s overall message. “Our economy is not in the best shape and lots of people are losing jobs and starting over. So, this story has developed far beyond my experience as a teacher,” she said. “‘Pie Head’ is not just a story about a girl who moved to L.A., but it is about how you pick yourself up when things are looking bleak and how you can help yourself attain your goals.”

McLachlan doesn’t expect this low-budget film to make it to theaters, but hopes that viewers will enjoy the family comedy fun. “I’m not anticipating anything grandiose, but I wanted to give actors with disabilities and actors in the Pittsburgh area more opportunities and an encouraging, reinforcing experience.”

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

Here at Home Evolutions, we occasionally like to report on inspirational human beings such as Michael Donahue of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Michael joined hundreds of veterans and their motorcycles as they began a cross-country journey for the annual “Run for the Wall” last Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Michael will be a part of that group and so will his Mobility Conquest wheelchair accessible motorcycle.

Michael, 55, began riding motorcycles when he was 16 years old. Thirty years ago, he was a military policeman in Virginia Beach and was accidentally shot. The injury left him paralyzed from the waist down and he was certain he would never ride again.

However, last year, the freedom of the open road was once again an option for Michael. He purchased The Conquest after finding the wheelchair accessible motorcycle while surfing the web one day. Michael had been searching for a viable option for over 27 years and has now found the one motorcycle that will let him enjoy the freedom that the motorcycle offers.

Michael is leaving for the cross-country trek from his home Rancho Cucamonga with his new wheels, as he takes part in the annual motorcycle ride “Run For the Wall” that ends in Washington, D.C. The ride raises awareness for veterans and those that are missing in action.

“I’m going to put on as many miles as I can,” Michael says. “I’m going to put her to the test. Everybody calls it a Batmobile. Temporarily, she’s my freedom chariot.”

Michael says that people take pictures of him on it and when he took it the DMV, they weren’t sure how to register it. Mark Allen Roberts, president of Mobility Works, said that many of their customers tell him they never thought they would be able to ride again.

“It’s hard to explain what it’s like watching people’s faces change when you give them new hope,” he says.
Mobility Conquest was founded by Bill Koeblitz of Mobility Works, in partnership with Martin Conquest of the UK. Mobility Conquest will be the only authorized manufacturers and distributors of this powerful, wheelchair accessible motorcycle.

There are currently 29 wheelchair accessible motorcycles in the country and Michael was the first to buy one in California. He will be one of three riders taking their Mobility Conquests to the capital on the ride. The other two riders will be joining the “Ride For the Wall” in Ohio.

For more information on The Conquest wheelchair accessible motorcycle, visit the official website at http://www.MobilityConquest.com.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.